The cheapest place I've found in catalogues and on line is T+T seeds in Manitoba. They have good plants and many are developed for prairie growing conditions.

A plus is that you only pay GST and what you save in PST just about covers the shipping cost. At least until if or when our province puts on HST.

I also use my local nurseries.

Local nurseries would be my choice, unless it was something very different that the nurseries didn't carry. In order to avoid high shipping costs, you'd have to buy a tiny shrub and wait for it to grow. Most of what i've gotten locally has cost about $20 or less for a gallon (or larger) container, and can be planted directly where i want it to go.

Thanks, guys. My local nurseries are not that creative - maybe I need to go further afield. The one that I had trusted for years, scammed me on a couple of perennials last year, so I have a bitter taste in my mouth from them. I will look at T+T.

Nancy.

Try googling Garden Watchdog. This site will not let me post the address - says it is spam - trust me it is not.

It provides feedback on various mail order places; I can't recall if it has feed back on nurseries or garden centres.

I would tend to find a nursery you are happy with. I prefer to see the plants before I pay for them.

If price is the main concern and not size or quality - then mail order is probably okay then. How far is your nearest Walmart?

But, if quality, health and size are of importance, then go to a reputable nursery; even if you have to drive a ways....you will be much happier.

Perhaps there is someone in your area that holds a plant sale and has what you want. Check Craigslist and kijiji come spring time.

good luck

If you post the general area that you live in, perhaps folks can either give you some recommendations of reliable nurseries in this area or let you know of local plant sales or even forum members willing to trade with you. Seeing a plant in person before buying is always better than ordering by mail. If buying shrubs or trees from a nursery, find out (in writing) what their guarantee is. It should be a minimum of 1 year, (except for roses).